Haitian Culture Curriculum Guide

INTRODUCTION
Over the last thirty years, changes in immigration patterns have made South Florida a thriving
multicultural community. Today, Broward public school classrooms reflect the cultural and
linguistic diversity of the South Florida region.
Haitian students have been among a growing Caribbean population in Broward County Public
Schools since the 1980s. Young people growing up, attending school, and living in a multicultural
society need to be aware of their own cultural identities; they also need to understand and appreciate
the cultures of others. To foster cross-cultural awareness among elementary school students in
Broward County Public Schools, the Multicultural Department developed the Haitian Culture
Curriculum Guide Grades K-5.
The purpose of the Haitian Culture Curriculum Guide Grades K-5 is to provide:
• background information for teachers on Haitian culture to enrich class activities and
discussion on Haiti and its people;
• literacy-based lessons and activities for students to explore the richness of Haitian culture
and their own;
• resources to support instruction and extended learning opportunities.
Every culture has a heritage of challenge, triumph, and perseverance. By learning about other
cultures, students may understand the universality of the human experience, communicate across
cultural lines, and may work together to ensure equity for all citizens.
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